Canada Emergency Response Benefit

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a new benefit will combine the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit. This benefit is for people who have stopped working or are working greatly reduced hours because of COVID-19.

This benefit is paid in blocks of four weeks in the amount of $2,000, which is equivalent to $500 per week. A maximum 16 weeks of benefits can be paid. The benefit payments are available from March 15, 2020, to October 3, 2020, and you can apply no later than December 2, 2020.

Eligibility

Canadian residents 15 years or older who have earned $5000 in income over the past 12 months

Includes the self-employed, contractors, and part-time workers

You have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits

You are working greatly reduced hours due to COVID-19 and earning up to $1000 per month

Seasonal workers who cannot find a job now due to COVID-19

Workers receiving EI benefits which have run out since January 1st and cannot find work due to COVID-19

You are or expect to earn no more than $1000 income in the four-week period you apply for (includes income from paid leave, self-employment income or EI benefits.)

You have not quit your job voluntarily

Relationship to Employment Insurance (EI)

If you became eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits prior to March 15th, your claim will be processed under the pre-existing EI rules. Otherwise, you will automatically be processed through the CERB

If you are already receiving EI regular benefits, you will continue to receive these benefits until the end of your benefit period, which if it ends before October 3, 2020, you may then apply for the CERB

You retain your eligibility to receive EI after you stop receiving the CERB and the period that you received the CERB does not impact your EI entitlement

Applications opened on April 6 either by automated phone system or online

You will need a CRA My Account to apply online

If you want direct deposit, you will need to ensure that information is registered with the CRA in advance through CRA My Account

The government has set up guidelines on when to apply in anticipation of significant application volumes:
If you were born in the month of Apply for CERB on
January, February or March Mondays
April, May, or June Tuesdays
July, August, or September Wednesdays
October, November, or December Thursdays
Any month Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

More information and details are available from the Government of Canada online here